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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Pick a path books were a hit in the 80's and still prove to be popular today. They are typically chapter books where decisions need to be made after every few pages. For example, if you would like the main character to enter the dark cave turn to page 20, if you would like the character to keep walking in the light turn to page 25.
Basically - you get to pick a path for the story to follow.
Earlier this year the extension group discussed, researched and presented findings around star maps. Star maps being the map travelled by celebrities, role models that include our parents and whanau in regards to careers and achievements they've made so far.

We concluded that the paths taken can change for many reasons - but we can stick to the right ones through making the best choice possible. Everyday is an opportunity to pick out the path to success. Which path will you take...pick a path!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Members of our extension class were the leaders of our 20 hour famine team this year. They were - Chante, Selena, Vivienne, Crusader and Toreka. Part of the lead included a visit from Devon Davids the 40 hours famine school coordinator and Shortland St actor Ido Drent. This was hugely motivational for those of us who fundraised. Our annual sleepover that we've had for 21 years now was a huge success. The leaders planned and delivered a fun filled evening that not only entertained us but taught us a lot about the children we were fundraising for. Watch this video to find out more. Thanks again to our leaders, our families, school and friends for sponsoring us. We managed to raise over $1,800 dollars from a group of only 25 students. Tino pai to mahi tamariki!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Animation is one of the most fascinating things in the world, but how did it start. Recently we have learnt, made and tested one of the tools used to start Animation, the famous Zoetrope. We even got to use a Zoetrope with the help of three men Ali, Maka and Nils.

To start off we watched a slideshow produced by the crew (Ali, Maka ,Nils). It showed things like the first ever moving picture and silhouettes. We had to begin simple, which was finding the middle of two symmetrical lines. It sounds simple but as we finished one after another, the lines got more curvy and curvier. This was practise for what was planned ahead.As the workshop went on, we were introduced to the Zoetrope. We were shown an example first, then we had the opportunity to animate a jelly fish using a Zoetrope. It was so AWESOME! Even better than a animated movie itself. I was blown away.In the end I thought how could this day get any better. We were all rewarded with a our very own Zoetrope, that was also an awesome opportunity.Written by Seini-Mino, Room 20.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

There are around 36 different sports in the 2012 London Olympics. There are definitely the more popular sports in the Olympics that we know about. This afternoon we had the task of finding out about the less popular sports that we don't know very much about. Tyla-Marie has found out about Judo. Tyla share about the sport's participants, rules and gear you need to compete in Judo.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Our very own art gallery is proudly displaying our term long efforts. The artworks on display the learning, creating and sharing that took place. We hope you get the chance to visit it yourself this week. It's open tonight and tomorrow until 7pm. Friday it's open until 3pm. Don't miss out!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

The transit of Venus occurs on June 6th and the Farm Cove astronomer is giving the public the chance to witness the extraordinary event.
We only see the transits of Mercury and Venus or 'inferior planets' which are between the Earth and the Sun so we don't see it very often. Venus transits in eight-year cycles so the last one was in 2004.
Before that there was one in 1882 and 1874. So fingers crossed, the weather's good on that day because the next one isn't until 2117. So no-one alive today is ever going to see it again.
There will be telescopes set up outside Pakuranga's Te Tuhi Centre for the arts - letting people take a peek at the planet.
Written by Iisa, Room 13
The above was written by Iisa and the movie was produced by the year 5 and 6 extension class under the direction of Iisa. It was fun time where we got to learn from a peer and show it through our movie. Awesome work Iisa!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Our year 5 and 6 extension group have spent a few sessions looking at the artwork by Robyn Kahukiwa. Our study started with looking at a number of NZ illustrators. When then moved onto a painting titles 'Hine'. We had the opportunity to reproduce it as well as reflect about the artwork. Here's a couple of movies produced by our year 5 students.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

A group of year 4 extension students created these two movies. They share of stories that were created to explain why Van Gogh lost his ear. These students are taught by Mrs Barks. They have also made some amazing animations of Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' that we will share with you soon.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Term two is upon us already. Our teachers went all out yet again to have us hooked, engaged and ready to learn all about Art in it's various forms. Here's a set of highlights to show you some of the fun we had during our immersion assembly. This takes place on the very first day of term. We assemble immediately after the first school bell ready to be immersed.

Thanks to all our amazing teachers, we are definitely hooked and loving our learning.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Today our community came out in force to support our car boot and garage sale. Our stall owners were up bright and early to set up and be ready for crowds that came through our school hall today.

It was a fantastic day where many bargains were made, a lot of yummy food, gorgeous pre-loved were sold clothing and more! There was even a chocolate fountain that was a huge hit with all kids who came through.

Thanks to Mrs Flavelle our head organiser, the wonderful families who ran stalls and all who came through today and bought so generously. May many good things come to you and your whanau. Fa'afetai lava le alofa.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Being cyber smart is something we are all striving for in this day and age of technology. Taking good care of yourself and your reputation online is a vital part of being successful. Be careful with all that you post online. Think - how do you want to advertise yourself? This movie was independently created by a small group of year 8 girls from Room 21. Thanks to Toreka, Selena, Thora and Teari, awesome work girls!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Our year 6 ambassadors presented today to a group of teacher trainees at MIT, Manukau Institute of Technology. They are actually in their third year of training - so they are very near graduating.

This was a great opportunity for our students to share what we do at school as well as educate the trainee teachers of what school is really like for students today. Our year 5 and 6 extension class have put together short movies where our year 5 students interviewed the 6 ambassadors who presented at MIT today.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

"This is the best last day of camp ever!!" Many excited year 7 and 8 students of Pt England School couldn't help but say this as they looked on to one of their favourite NRL teams.

It's the final day of camp, we're at our local pool Swimarama - the Warriors arrive to train at the pools. None of the children knew this was going to happen so it was a huge treat for the campers. This is how we typically wind up our 3 day camp where tents are pitched on our very own school fields and all events and activities are local. A day to relax at the pools after all the hard work over the previous two days.

Thanks to our parents, teachers, helpers and the Warriors for making this such a memorable camp for the year 7 and 8 students of Pt England School. Well done to Joshua and Kayde, on the spot reporters for PENN (Pt England New Network)Go the Warriors!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Part of the KC's or Key Competencies is the knowledge and use of signs, symbols and texts. This year the extension classes have worked on a short project that had them thinking all about symbols that would communicate important features about themselves and their whanau.

All the year 7 and 8 students have posted their creations online using flickr. You will find them by clicking here. The example I have posted here belongs to Chante and Cruz who worked very hard to complete the task before the deadline. The rest of the class soon joined them with their completed symbols.

The students will also be sharing their creations via their individual class blogs. Be sure to leave them some feedback.

Learn: about symbols, signs and text to communicate

Create: Digital graphics to communicate their personal symbols

Share: Sharing online where there is opportunity to receive feedback and contributions towards their work. Reflection is also part of this sharing on their personal blogs.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Greetings! 2011 came to end beautifully with prize giving and a year 8 leavers dinner. They were both events that were celebrated creatively with team items and speeches from both our Principal and students.

Many parents whose children have movied on this year happily shared memories of the years their children shared at Pt England. For some it was their last child to travel through the school making it even more special.

Here's a movie showing you items that our year 8's taught themselves. We will also post our closing school song.